CEBU, Philippines - Finding probable cause, the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office has indicted two brothers for illegal possession of drugs and drugs paraphernalia.
State prosecutor Van Russel Inopiquez found sufficient evidence to hold Armand and Michael Cavan, both residents of V. Rama St., Cebu City, for trial. The two waived their right to undergo preliminary investigation.
Last Monday, the National Bureau of Investigation-7 arrested Armand and Michael by virtue of a search warrant. In the course of the operation, the NBI said they were able to recover illegal drugs and drugs paraphernalia from the possession of the two.
Before the serving of the warrant, the NBI said that their office received a report on alleged "proliferation, rampant distribution and usage of shabu" in the areas of V. Rama, Guadalupe, Banawa and others.
NBI agent Bernard dela Cruz said based on their investigation Michael was the source of shabu in the area. To corroborate their findings they conducted a test-buy operation.
"After confirming that indeed respondent was engaged in selling/illegal trade of shabu, agent on case applied for search warrant before the Regional Trial Court of Cebu City, Executive Judge Silvestre Maamo Jr. against Michael Cavan," the document read.
The NBI said on Monday at 6 a.m. they implemented the warrant that leads to the arrest of Armand and Michael. The NBI added they seized 32 pieces of small heat plastic sachets, two glass tooters, five pieces of aluminum foil and 16 lighters from Armand.
From Michael, the NBI said they seized four pieces of medium size shabu with total weight of 44.0193 grams, four lighters, a glass tooter and a digital weighing scale.
During the inventory of the seized evidence, the NBI said it was represented by representatives of the Department of Justice, media and public officials.
Inopiquez recommended Armand P40,000 bail for drugs paraphernalia and P200,000 for illegal possession of shabu.
For Michael, he recommended P40,000 for drugs paraphernalia and no bail for illegal possession of shabu. (FREEMAN)